CARTIER | CRASH, REFERENCE 2774 A WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND-SET WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 2010

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 8970MC mechanical, 18 jewelsCase: 18k white gold and diamond-set, case back secured by 4 screwsCase number: 10218PXClosure: black Cartier satin strap and 18k white gold and diamond-set folding claspSize: 38 mm length x 22 mm widthSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Cartier Certificate of Origin, additional purple alligator strap, instruction manual and presentation box

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The band with very minor signs of wear near the crown. Otherwise the watch is in excellent overall condition. The folding clasp with surface wear throughout the sides. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Despite having a  strong resemblance to the shape of Salvador Dali's watch in The Persistence of Memory, the design of the Cartier Crash  has no correlation to it. However, the story of the Crash unfolds when a client of Cartier brought in his damaged Baignoire from a car crash to the london maison in the 1967.
The damaged Baignoire gave the jeweller Jean-Jacques Cartier inspiration to the first ever made (as he believes) asymmetric case of the watch which symbolizes non-conformism and creative freedom. The Crash  eventually became an iconic model and is only reproduced in limited quantities when available.
The present Crash offered in excellent overall condition is presented with an embellished pavé-set diamond case and it is also an ultimate expression of Cartier's exquisite style and feminine sophistication.